Charter issue has town at crossroad

The change has been hotly debated, with opponents arguing Saugus would turn into a city because the Town Assembly would be able to schedule its own meetings, like a city council. “If a legislative body can call itself into session, that is a city,’’ said John Vasapolli, the town attorney. “If they can’t call themselves into session, such as a town meeting, which has to be scheduled by a warrant or by the Board of Selectmen, that is a town form of government.’’

Charter supporters counter that the difference is minor. It still would be known as the town of Saugus, and a town manager still would be appointed by the selectmen. “We agree the assembly could call itself into session,’’ said Peter Manoogian, chairman of the Charter Commission, which was elected two years ago to review the current charter. “But Saugus would still be a town. On many levels, this brings Saugus into line with the majority of towns in Massachusetts.’’

The two sides have launched vigorous “Vote No’’ and “Vote Yes’’ campaigns. They’ve mailed out glossy fliers, stood in the town center with their respective signs, and debated in public forums.

“This is a very serious vote,’’ said Marilyn Carlson, chairwoman of the Saugus Committee to Preserve Our Town, which is pushing for a no vote. “It can forever change the town of Saugus.’’

Jill Silvester, chairwoman of Saugus Citizens for a Better Charter, said the current 62-year-old charter is outdated. “Things move at a faster pace today than they did 60 years ago,’’ she said. “There is a group of us who truly believe this needs to be done.’’

The ballot question asks voters to vote either “yes’’ or “no’’ on the entire charter; they cannot vote only for sections. A summary of the proposal is listed on the ballot. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The proposed new charter contains changes in political, financial, and ethical rules. For example, town employees would not be able to run for public office unless they take a leave of absence.

Currently, town employees may run to be a town meeting member. Charter supporters say that creates a conflict of interest, since town meeting approves the town budget.

“It’s a very common practice to prohibit town employees from running for public office,’’ Manoogian said. “It’s a common feature in other charters across the country.’’

The new charter would replace the Board of Selectmen with a Select Board, five members elected to staggered terms every April. Currently, all five selectmen are elected every two years in November. A licensing board would be created to vote on liquor, entertainment, and restaurant licenses. That duty now falls to the selectmen.

The duties of the town manager also would be changed. The manager’s authority to appoint members of town boards would shift to the Select Board. The manager also would have to live in town, unless permission to live outside Saugus is granted. The manager also would be required to give regular financial updates to the Select Board, and undergo a yearly evaluation.

Saugus Town Manager Andrew Bisignani has not taken a position on the proposed charter change. “My job is to serve the people of Saugus,’’ Bisignani said during an interview in his Town Hall office. “Whatever the people decide, I will do my best to follow their mandate.’’

But Bisignani said he is concerned that the new charter could be costly. A new position for a town auditor would be created. Saugus now has a town accountant. Annual town elections will be held each April.

“Generally speaking, I have never seen a new government plan of action, or program, that did not cost money,’’ Bisignani said. “We have a town accountant now who does the job of an auditor.’’

The Town Assembly would be the biggest change. It would include two representatives from each of the town’s 10 precincts elected for two-year terms. Six members, plus the chairman, would be elected at-large for three-year terms. Currently, town meeting is made up of five members elected for two-year terms from each of the 10 precincts. Instead of having bylaws adopted at a town meeting and ultimately approved by the attorney general, the Town Assembly would create ordinances, like local laws that govern cities.

But, unlike a city mayor, the town manager would not have the authority to approve - or veto - an ordinance. Ordinances passed by the assembly would take effect immediately. “The voters can override their action by voting them out of office in the next election,’’ Silvester said. “Every five years the charter can be reviewed. Things can be changed.’’

Opponents cite the absence of a veto procedure as one reason the proposed charter is not a good fit for Saugus. “There has to be some balance,’’ said Carlson, a retired school teacher. “I think some people are probably looking for change. But change for the sake of change is not always good.’’

Kathy McCabe can be reached at kmccabe@globe.com.